The UK NSC recommendation on Postnatal depression screening in pregnancy

Recommendation	Systematic population screening programme not recommended, clinical practice guidelines covered by NICE
Last review completed	December 2011
Next review due in	2014/15
Key downloads	Last external review - Postnatal depression
A screening programme for postnatal depression is not recommended. The development of postnatal depression is complex. There is a lack of clarity on the population to be identified by screening and evidence that the use of current screening tools cannot identify risk with sufficient accuracy.  There is also insufficient evidence that universal screening and subsequent intervention improve the health outcomes for the mother or the baby. However, as part of a comprehensive clinical assessment, health professionals should be alert to the possibility of postnatal depression and manage it according to current guidance.

Find general information about population health screening.

More about Postnatal depression

As many as eight out of 10 women get what's known as the 'baby blues'. It normally begins within a few days of the birth, and common symptoms include bursting into tears for no reason, or feeling fantastic one minute and miserable the next. Fortunately, the symptoms only last for a short time.

» Read more about postnatal depression on NHS Choices

» See also the UK NSC policy on depression

Stakeholders

• Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services
• The British Psychological Society
• Faculty of Public Health
• Insitute of Health Visiting
• Royal College of General Practitioners
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Royal College of Physicians
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
• Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Royal College of Psychiatrists

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the recommendation is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us. More information for stakeholders can be found in appendix C of the UK NSC evidence review process.

Related documents

Postnatal depression policy review summary (PDF document, 157KB, 15/12/11)

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